FRESNO, Calif. -
Former Fresno State football players Kevin Sweeney and Chris Pacheco will serve as the honorary team captains for the Bulldog football team in this Saturday's game against Weber State.

Sweeney and Pacheco, who both played together on the same 1984 and 1985 teams, are the first football alumni to serve as honorary team captains.

One of head coach Tim DeRuyter's goals in his first season at Fresno State is to connect with the players of years past, and he will have a former Bulldog football player serve as the honorary captain for all six home games this year.

"We want to honor and recognize the Bulldog history that has been built here," DeRuyter said. "I want them around this program."

The honorary team captains for each home game will be announced the week of the game.

Sweeney played quarterback for the Bulldogs from 1983-86 and is the school's all-time leading passer with 10,808 yards, which set a new NCAA record when he graduated. Sweeney is one of six Bulldogs to have his number retired (he wore No. 9) and was a two-time Co-MVP of the Pacific Coast Athletic Association.

Pacheco was nose guard for the Bulldogs in 1984 and 1985, earning first-team All-PCAA accolades both seasons. The Downey, Calif. native came to Fresno State from Cerritos Junior College and in his first year with the Bulldogs (1984), started in 11 games and recorded 64 tackles with five sacks. As a senior in 1985, Pacheco posted 54 tackles and three sacks.

The duo helped lead the 1985 Bulldog team to an 11-0-1 record that year, which was highlighted by a 51-7 win over Bowling Green in the Cal Bowl V played at Bulldog Stadium.

As part of being an honorary team captain, Pacheco and Sweeney will eat the pre-game meal with the team, run the team out on to the field and be at the coin toss before the game.

"Discover Fresno State Football" - Fresno State season tickets are now on sale for as low as $140, less than $24 per game, through the Bulldog Ticket Office, online at GoBulldogs.com and can be purchased over the phone at 559-278-DOGS. Remember to vote every day for Fresno State at www.ESPN.com/CollegeColorsDay and wear your Bulldog red on Aug. 31 for College Colors Day.